Romans 8:22-23: For We Know That The Whole Creation Has Been Groaning Together In The Pains Of Childbirth

Romans 8:22–23
[22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (ESV)

We serve an amazing God. We see his Creation and we are rightfully in awe of him. We have come to him for the forgiveness of sin, placing our faith in Jesus Christ, and we are in awe of him. This is right for us to do. As great as our salvation is, and as great as God's Creation is we haven't even begun to imagine how great things will be in the future.

Our Creation is full of mountains, deserts, oceans, forests, creatures of all sizes, colors, and varieties. Paul says that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. In other words, there are bigger and better things coming. God will restore and renew all things. Creation itself longs for that.

We ourselves have gotten a taste of the goodness of God. We are positionally declared to be holy and righteous in God's sight because of the gift of salvation. Yet, we still struggle with this sinful body. It is a beautiful thing when we see someone come to faith in Christ. They begin to make better choices and move away from sin. But they is still temptation. There is still failing.

We have the firstfruits of the Spirit. We have the beginning work that God is doing. Every time we sin we are reminded that we do not have a perfectly redeemed body. We have the promise, but not the realization just yet. We know that we are children of God, but the full adoption will be realized when we are in God's perfect presence.

Are you groaning? That's ok. We are all groaning inwardly as we wait the greater things that God has prepared for us. Take this time to worship the Lord, in hope. Bigger things are coming.